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My attention drifts around me. The driveway is cobblestone, lining the pathway all the way down to the gate in the distance. A gate that I have no doubt is being guarded by their men. As curious as I am, I won't be testing anything, and I’ll be staying far away from there.

Taking my time, I head down the steps and around the house, following a stone path that breaks off to wrap around the house. Everything is green and full of life. There aren’t a bunch of ugly hedge walls or bushes. It’s filled with trees of all kinds, ranging from maple to weeping willows. I smile, loving the magical feeling it gives me.

There are some rose bushes scattered around the place, adding a nice floral touch to the grounds.

What I end up liking the best is the pond toward the back of the property with weeping willows all around it. My smile widens when I see the lily pads and ducks swimming around. I’m going to have to see if the guys have something I can come here and feed them with.

If I’m going to be stuck here, I’d like to find some things to take up my time because even though I know some free time to myself is much needed, after a while, I know I’ll start to go out of my mind.

I spend around another hour just taking in the beauty of this place. I guess if I had to be held captive, there could be worse places to be.

Feeling a bit on the hungry side, I start to make my way back toward the house. Rounding the corner, I notice what looks to be a massive garage on the side of the house.

The large doors are open, and my eyes widen when I see the number of cars inside. “Who the hell needs this many cars?” I mutter to myself, stepping into the garage to get a better look.

I don’t know much about cars, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate how pretty they look. And trust me, these are pretty. Slick black ones, red ones, and even a deep blue one.

“These must cost millions.” I wrinkle my nose, running my fingers over the hood of one of the cars. “And here I can’t even keep my truck up and running.”

A bit of jealousy and envy fills me. “Wonder if they would give me one of these for the trouble they put me through?”

I’m joking, kind of. I could use a new ride, but these cars are too nice, I wouldn’t want to drive any of them.

Stonehead Creek isn’t exactly fit for fast sports cars.

The sound of music catches my attention. Looking toward the back of the garage, my brows furrow as I follow the sound.

Stopping by a door that I’m assuming leads out of the garage, I press my ear to it. I’m able to make out some of the lyrics. It sounds like rock or metal.

One of the guys must be behind the door. What are they doing at six in the morning?

Only one way to find out.

Gripping the handle, I push the door open. The sound of the music floods my ears, but that’s not the only sound I hear.

The sounds of clanking metal and grunts have me pausing.

The door closes on its own behind me, making me jump. From this angle, I can’t see anything but a wall, but I can see light around the corner. Slowly, I make my way forward and peek my head around the corner.

My breath catches in my lungs as my eyes land on a six-foot-four mass of pure muscle. The grunting I was hearing is Maverick. And no, not those kinds of grunts. Although, I don’t think I’d be too mad if I walked in on that.

It’s a home gym, and if I’m going off what they might have spent on it, then I bet it’s filled with state-of-the-art equipment.

I couldn’t confirm or deny that at this moment, because all my attention is on the man lifting weights.

He’s shirtless, toned muscles glistening with sweat. His long, dark hair is swept up into a messy bun, and the only thing he’s wearing is a pair of loose workout shorts.

My mouth actually waters as my eyes slowly drink him in. Every time he lifts the weight, his arms flex, and it does something to my core. No, not something, it makes my clit pulse. I’m a sucker for arm muscles, and my fingers twitch with the urge to caress them like a horny little freak.

He’s zoned in, gaze on the ground as he lifts the barbells in one arm before letting out a breath and moving to the next.

The music is loud, but the sounds he makes are louder. I can’t help but watch, locked in on every little thing he does.

Maverick is an attractive man. The definition of a bad, dangerous man. When I first saw him, at least the version of him now, I was terrified. And aroused because, hello, I have eyes. But also I could tell this man was a killer.

I mean, that, and I was literally watching them kill a guy, but still. I’m sure people take one look at him and think twice about fucking with him.

After spending some time around him, it’s crazy to think that there’s more to this man. He is actually kind of sweet, quiet. Still crazy of course, but they all are.